Kitchen Appliances Cleaning (Stovetop, Oven Exterior, Microwave Exterior, Refrigerator Exterior)
By Cleaner-Kenya
Keeping your kitchen appliances spotless extends their lifespan, improves efficiency, and creates a healthier cooking environment. In Nairobi's humid climate, grease buildup from frequent frying of ugali or chapati can attract pests and harbor bacteria. Cleaner-Kenya shares simple, effective methods to clean stovetops, oven exteriors, microwave exteriors, and refrigerator exteriors using everyday Kenyan household items like baking soda, vinegar, and bar soap. These routines take under 30 minutes weekly and prevent costly repairs.
Cleaning the Stovetop
Stovetops, whether gas or electric, collect burnt-on food and spills fastest. Start by cooling it completely to avoid burns. Sprinkle baking soda generously over greasy spots—it's affordable at Nakumatt or local kiosks. Spray white vinegar (from supermarkets like Carrefour) on top; the fizzing reaction lifts grime. Let it sit 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains on enamel or glass, use a paste of baking soda and dish soap like Sunlight. Wipe clean with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry to prevent streaks. Gas grates? Soak in hot water with vinegar overnight, scrub with a brush, and rinse. Pro tip: Clean after every use to avoid buildup—Cleaner-Kenya recommends this for high-use kitchens in apartments like those in Westlands.
Tackling the Oven Exterior
Oven exteriors dull from fingerprints, splatters, and steam. Unplug for safety. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle; add a squeeze of lemon for grease-cutting power (lemons are plentiful at Gikomba Market). Spray liberally, wait 5 minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth. For stainless steel finishes common in Kenyan homes, buff with a vinegar-dampened cloth followed by a dry microfiber towel for shine. Avoid steel wool—it scratches. If knobs are greasy, remove them (check your manual), soak in warm soapy water, and wipe crevices with a toothbrush. Dry thoroughly to dodge water spots in our dusty environment. Regular wipes keep exteriors gleaming without deep cleans.
Refreshing the Microwave Exterior
Microwave exteriors smudge easily from handling oily foods like nyama choma. Dust first with a dry cloth. Spray a vinegar-water solution (1:1) on the door and sides, avoiding vents and buttons. Wipe immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent drips inside. For plastic or painted surfaces, use a mild soap like Omo diluted in water—rinse well. Stainless models? Vinegar shines them streak-free. Clean the control panel gently with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water; never soak it. In Kenya's power fluctuations, this prevents dust-clogged buttons. A quick daily wipe maintains hygiene, especially in shared family kitchens.
Maintaining the Refrigerator Exterior
Fridge exteriors attract fingerprints, spills, and magnets in busy homes. Unplug if deep cleaning. Wipe with a vinegar-water mix to cut grease from market-fresh produce handling. For stainless steel (popular in middle-class estates like Lavington), use olive oil on a cloth after vinegar for a protective shine—prevents fingerprints. Glass doors? Glass cleaner like Windolene works wonders; spray, wipe, and buff. Handles and seals get grimy—use a baking soda paste for deodorizing. Dry completely to inhibit mould in humid seasons. Inside magnets? Dust weekly. This routine boosts energy efficiency, saving on KPLC bills.
Regular cleaning prevents 80% of common issues like malfunctioning controls or pest infestations. In Kenya, where power outages demand reliable appliances, these habits save money. For tough jobs or full kitchen deep cleans, contact Cleaner-Kenya for expert, eco-friendly services across Nairobi and beyond—we use professional-grade tools for flawless results without harsh chemicals.
